BY CHLOE TELLER
Stonehill College’s newest first-year class is the biggest class the college has seen in years.
The class of 2026 has 727 new first-year students compared to the average 650 first-years in the past.
Although this number doesn’t beat the 800 students from the class of 2016, one college official said it is impressive.
Kevin Piskadlo, the dean of students, said he is “thrilled” with the number of freshmen who chose Stonehill.
“Through the hard work of our Admission staff, as well as faculty, staff, and students, more people around the globe are learning about our amazing community,” he said, “the incredible facilities we have, and the excellent education and co-curricular experience we provide to those that choose to study here.”
Students returning to the college said they are getting used to new faces.
First-year student Sophia Montesano, said she is glad to see many new faces.
“It’s refreshing to be able to meet someone new everywhere you go. Everyone on campus is extremely friendly and helpful,” Montesano said.
“In light of how challenging admission has become in the United States and the Northeast in particular, we are so fortunate to have over 700 students choose Stonehill College as their undergraduate institution,” Piskadlo said.
Sophomore Savannah Jeffrey said that campus feels more crowded.
“When on my way to class in the morning, there is a lot more foot traffic, and I don’t recognize anyone. I used to not be able to walk 5 minutes without seeing a handful of people I know, and now there is a lack of familiar faces,” Jeffrey said.
Jeffrey also said it is now harder to find a parking spot.
“I drove to CVS for ten minutes last week, and by the time I came back, my spot was taken and I had to park in a completely different lot. Parking has just become impossible,”Jeffrey said.
Students say that the lines to get food are also longer, with the dining hall lines almost out the door, and the Gigi’s line taking up the whole downstairs of the Meehan School of Business.
“I left my dorm for class 30 minutes early, and still couldn’t even risk waiting in the Dunkin line. There are just so many people in line at the same time. At the commons the other night, it took longer to get my food and pay than it did to sit down and eat.” Jeffrey said.
Piskadlo said Student Affairs is already on top of this.
“We are lucky to have a physical infrastructure with residence halls, dining facilities, and extracurricular opportunities that can easily accommodate the number of students we have on campus this year.” Piskadlo said.
Over the next few years, Stonehill’s reputation and demand will continue to increase, Piskadlo said.
“The College has articulated an ambitious strategic plan that will position the College to remain successful in the ever-changing higher education climate. So while I do not believe that this includes significant increases of the undergraduate student body, it does increase reputation and demand,” he said.
Comments